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Melatonin: highlighting its use as a potential treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection

Written by: Mecene Research Team

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Published

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Time to read 9 min

Note From Dr. Pendleton


This article is my attempt at a simplified summary of a scientific paper I found interesting. I’m passionate about sharing scientific knowledge in a way that’s accessible to everyone. However, it's important to remember that many scientific studies, including this one, may not directly apply to you, let alone all people. For example, some studies are conducted on animals or involve small sample sizes, which limits the generalizability of the results. My goal is to present the information responsibly and in layman’s terms, so please keep in mind that the findings should be interpreted with care.


Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The information in this article is based on a scientific review and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment decisions. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or therapy.

Overview

The scientific article titled Melatonin: Highlighting Its Use as a Potential Treatment for SARS-CoV-2 Infection was authored by Russel J. Reiter, Ramaswamy Sharma, Fedor Simko, Alberto Dominguez-Rodriguez, Jan Tesarik, Richard L. Neel, Andrzej T. Slominski, Konrad Kleszczynski, Verna M. Martin-Gimenez, Walter Manucha, and Daniel P. Cardinali. Published in the journal Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences in 2022, the article reviews existing research on melatonin, a hormone primarily known for regulating sleep, and its potential as a treatment for COVID-19. The authors present evidence from over 140 studies suggesting that melatonin's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties could make it an effective option for reducing the severity of COVID-19 symptoms, lowering mortality rates, and shortening hospitalization durations. The article also discusses the safety profile of melatonin, the mechanisms by which it may work against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the need for further clinical trials to establish its effectiveness in COVID-19 treatment.

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a huge challenge for people and healthcare systems worldwide. Scientists are constantly looking for new ways to treat this illness. One unexpected candidate that shows promise is melatonin, a hormone many people know as a natural sleep aid. However, recent research suggests that melatonin might do much more than just help us sleep. It could actually help treat COVID-19. Let’s explore what melatonin is, how it works, and why it might be an important tool in the fight against this virus.

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland in the brain. It plays a crucial role in controlling our sleep-wake cycles, which are also known as our circadian rhythms. 


When it gets dark, melatonin levels in our body increase, helping us feel sleepy. But melatonin isn’t just about sleep; it has other essential functions.


  • Antioxidant Properties: Melatonin helps protect our cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Free radicals can damage cells and lead to aging and disease. According to the research, melatonin is “a broad-spectrum antioxidant that has been shown to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress."
  • Anti-inflammatory Properties: Melatonin also reduces inflammation, which is how the body responds to infection or injury. Too much inflammation can cause pain, swelling, and damage to tissues. The paper notes, “melatonin has anti-inflammatory effects that may help calm an overactive immune response."

These properties make melatonin a valuable candidate for treating illnesses like COVID-19, where inflammation and oxidative stress play a big role in the severity of the disease.

Woman with wrist pain.

How Does Melatonin Work Against COVID-19?

Melatonin’s Role as an Antiviral Agent

Melatonin doesn’t just help us sleep; it also has antiviral properties that make it useful in fighting different types of viruses, including the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Researchers have found that " melatonin has pan-antiviral effects and can reduce the severity of viral infections." This means melatonin might help stop viruses from multiplying and spreading in the body, which could make infections like COVID-19 less severe.

Reducing Inflammation and the “Cytokine Storm”

One of the most dangerous parts of COVID-19 is the "cytokine storm." This is when the body’s immune system overreacts to the virus and releases too many inflammatory molecules called cytokines. These cytokines can cause severe inflammation, leading to tissue damage, breathing problems, and even organ failure. The research suggests that "melatonin can help to control this cytokine storm by calming the immune response and reducing inflammation." By doing so, melatonin may help prevent some of the worst effects of COVID-19.


Melatonin might also reduce other harmful processes in the body. For example, it can inhibit hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α), a molecule that becomes active when there isn’t enough oxygen in the body. HIF-1α is often elevated in severe COVID-19 cases and contributes to inflammation and tissue damage. The paper notes, "Melatonin may reduce damage from COVID-19 by quelling HIF-1α." This suggests that melatonin could help protect organs and reduce the risk of severe illness.

Image depicting a virus inside a body.

Benefits of Using Melatonin for COVID-19

Melatonin offers several potential benefits as a treatment for COVID-19. Its accessibility, safety, and ability to target key aspects of the virus’s progression make it an appealing option for researchers and healthcare providers. Let’s explore the specific advantages that melatonin may provide in combating COVID-19.

High Safety Profile and Low Cost

Melatonin is one of the safest supplements available. It has been used for decades to help people sleep, and it is even considered safe for use in children and elderly people. The researchers highlight that "melatonin has a high safety profile over a wide range of doses and lacks significant toxicity." Unlike some other medications that can cause serious side effects, melatonin is generally well-tolerated and does not cause many problems, even at higher doses.


Melatonin is also inexpensive and widely available over the counter, making it an accessible option for people around the world, especially in areas with limited healthcare resources.

Reducing Hospital Stays and Improving Outcomes

There is evidence that melatonin could help reduce the time COVID-19 patients spend in the hospital and improve their recovery. Studies have shown that "seriously infected COVID-19 patients treated with melatonin showed reduced severity of infection, lower death rates, and shorter durations of hospitalization." By helping patients recover faster and preventing severe symptoms, melatonin could ease the burden on hospitals and healthcare systems while potentially saving lives.

What Does the Research Say About Melatonin and COVID-19?

Clinical Studies and Findings

Research into melatonin's potential role in treating COVID-19 has shown encouraging results. Over 140 scientific studies have explored its antiviral properties, safety profile, and ability to reduce severe symptoms. Clinical studies have provided key insights into how melatonin could help patients recover faster, avoid critical care, and even lower mortality rates.

Lower Severity of Symptoms

Melatonin appears to reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms by targeting the body's inflammatory response. COVID-19 can trigger a massive immune reaction known as a "cytokine storm," which often leads to severe symptoms, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Melatonin’s anti-inflammatory properties can help control this overreaction, limiting damage to organs like the lungs. Several studies have shown that patients who received melatonin experienced milder symptoms compared to those who did not, suggesting that it may help in managing the overall progression of the disease.

Reduced Mortality Rates

Another significant finding is melatonin’s potential to reduce death rates in COVID-19 patients. Clinical studies have observed that melatonin, when used as part of the treatment for seriously ill patients, was linked to lower mortality rates. This could be due to melatonin's ability to regulate immune responses and protect cells from oxidative damage, helping to prevent complications like multi-organ failure, which can be fatal in severe COVID-19 cases. By reducing inflammation and enhancing the body’s natural defense mechanisms, melatonin may improve survival outcomes, particularly for high-risk patients.

Less Need for Mechanical Ventilation

For patients experiencing severe COVID-19, one of the most critical interventions is mechanical ventilation, which is used when a patient’s lungs are too damaged to function on their own. However, mechanical ventilation can come with risks and long-term health effects. Research has suggested that melatonin may reduce the need for such interventions by protecting lung tissue and preventing the onset of severe respiratory symptoms. In some studies, patients treated with melatonin showed better lung function and were less likely to require ventilation, even when their initial symptoms were severe.

Person on ventilation.

Ongoing Trials and Future Research

Though current findings are promising, more research is needed to fully confirm the benefits of melatonin in treating COVID-19. Several clinical trials are ongoing, with scientists aiming to determine the most effective dosage, timing, and method of administration. These studies are expected to provide more concrete evidence on how melatonin can be integrated into COVID-19 treatment protocols. Until then, researchers emphasize the importance of "well-designed, placebo-controlled, double-blinded studies" to ensure reliable and replicable results.


This growing body of research could pave the way for melatonin to become a widely used supplement in the fight against COVID-19, particularly due to its safety, affordability, and accessibility.

Possible Limitations and Considerations

While melatonin shows promise, it is not a miracle cure. There are still limitations and things we don’t fully understand. For example, more research is needed to determine if melatonin is effective for all types of patients, including those with other health conditions. The paper also notes that the best dosage and timing for using melatonin to treat COVID-19 have not been fully established. Therefore, it is essential for anyone considering melatonin to talk to a healthcare provider first.

Could Melatonin Be a Game-Changer for COVID-19 Treatment?

Melatonin, a hormone most commonly associated with sleep, has shown potential as a treatment option for COVID-19 due to its ability to reduce inflammation, protect cells, and control the body’s immune response. Research suggests that melatonin could make COVID-19 symptoms less severe, help patients recover faster, and even reduce death rates.


While more studies are needed to confirm these benefits and understand how best to use melatonin, its safety, affordability, and accessibility make it an option worth considering in the fight against COVID-19. As we continue to search for effective treatments, melatonin could play a critical role in managing this challenging disease.

Meet the Author

Dr. James Pendleton

Dr. James Pendleton is a primary care physician specializing in a naturopathic approach to family medicine. He has nurtured a family practice in Seattle, directed a VIP medical center in Abu Dhabi, published several books and scientific articles, and designed innovative nutritional supplements for manufacturers worldwide.

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